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Client
The Wave
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Technology
Solar Thermal
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Application
Shower block
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Manufacturer
Apricus
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System size
600 evacuated tubes
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Gross surface area
88m²
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Annual energy savings
17,294.1 kWh
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Annual carbon savings
11,517.84 kg
CLIENT
The Wave is an inland-surfing destination where anyone and everyone can surf on safe waves, every day of the year. It was founded in 2010 by former osteopath, Nick Hounsfield and the first destination opened in Bristol in October 2019.
The Wave is the first place in the world to use Wavegarden Cove technology, bringing surfing, nature and a fresh way of thinking to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.
Sustainability has been an intrinsic part of the Wave since the very beginning and the founders wanted to build a business that could deliver more than just a financial return.
Environmentally, the operation is continually striving to be resourceful and to find ways to minimise their environmental impact. Their ethos encourages all to interact thoughtfully with one another and the wider environment.
TASK
The Wave was looking for a sustainable means to generating hot water for the shower facilities situated within their 180m-long surfing lake.
In a bid to reduce costs and increase sustainability, Solarsense installed 600 evacuated solar thermal tubes on the roof of the Pavilion in order to heat the showers with clean, renewable energy. This will not only provide reduced fuel costs, but also provide the organisation with an income from the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).
The smart energy system spans 88m² of the roof, feeding the 2000 litre hot water tanks below, ensuring an above average temperature of 42℃.
As well as heating the Pavilion water naturally with renewable energy, each of the buildings on-site have been future proofed to allow the popular tourist attraction to add solar photovoltaics and other renewables at a later date.
System components
- Collector loop: 600 evacuated tubes
- DHW standby tank: 2000L
- Buffer tank: 2000L
- Auxiliary heating: 90kW electric heat pump
CLIENT QUOTE
‘I didn’t want sustainability to be a ‘nice to have’ extra, or simply give a nod to it in the business plan. For me it was always at the heart of what we were trying to do and had to be part of every decision we made’.
Nick HounsfieldFounder, The Wave
